Follow Up On Recent Chapter Activities

Western Nebraska Seminars-February 26-27th - As always, Chuck VanderKooi did a super job in presenting two workshops in Scottsbluff recently.  On Thursday afternoon Chuck presented “People Management”.  (Yes, the egg-sucking dog is still out there!) This seminar was attended by 37 folks.  Everyone enjoyed socializing with a drink and a burger at the Country Club before heading home.  On Friday morning Chuck presented “Managing Your Company in a Tight Economy” for 26 attendees.  There was not a “Bob” or “Bill” in the entire group; but luck for us there was a “Billy Bob Paul” at both sessions.  (Note:  you will only understand this last sentence if you have attended one of Chuck’s seminars in the past.)   The seminars were funded in part by the Nebraska Workers Training Program.

Legislative Forum & Luncheon March 3rd - This first time activity was a joint venture between the Building Chapter, AIA-NE and ACEC-NE.  The event was well attended with 65 members at the forum, plus 23 State Senators joining for lunch at the Cornhusker.    

Before the forum several members and Jean met with Senators in the Rotunda. A special thank you goes to Sen. Chris Langemeier, Sen. Tony Fulton and John O’Hara for presenting at the forum.  At the luncheon each of the association presidents shared a few thoughts with the State Senators about our industry.

To read Wes' comments presented during the luncheon, click here.

Chatting with the Senators:
Senator Kathy Campbell, Tim Rush, Wes Oestreich, Senator Tom Hansen and Don Wreith

Posing with the Senators:
Senator Kathy Campbell, Tim Rush, Wes Oestreich, Senator Tom Hansen and Don Wreith

Senator Chris Langemeier addresses the forum.

AGC of America Annual Convention-March 4-7th-San Diego, CA - Chris Kingery, Bob Carlson and Jean Petsch attended the national convention last week, along with Professor Ron Haggin (UNO), four UNO Student Chapter members and 14 Student Chapter members from UNL.  Even though the temperature was warmer in Nebraska than San Diego while we were there it was an excellent convention.  Here are a few of the “take homes”: 

*The Building Chapter was one of 20 Chapters recognized at the National Leadership Breakfast for 100% board member participation in 2008 in the AGCA PAC.  Bob Carlson accepted the award on our Chapter’s behalf.  This was our third consecutive year to receive this recognition.  Of course we are working to make it four years in a row with 2009. 

*The Building Chapter did win the “door-prize drawing” between the 20 Chapter PAC winners for a free 2010 AGC Convention Registration and hotel stay in Orlando, FL.  The Building Chapter Board will soon determine how members will have a chance to win the “free” prize.

*Bob and Chris attended a session on the A201 (2007) document.  Their “take away” was that the folks from Woods & Aitken LLP are “right on” the mark with their assessment and suggestions!

*Jean attended a session on “Industry Fraud Detection and Deterrence”.  The session had a lot of great information for all in the industry.  This information would be a great Regional Member Meeting topic.  There are several local professionals that might present this material.

*The Expo seemed smaller than usual.

*Deborah Norville of television/cable news fame was one of the most entertaining presenters.

*The economy, the recession and the stimulus package were the most repeated phrases during the convention.

*We should all be glad we live and work in Nebraska.

Justine Petsch, Jean Petsch, David Kingery, Mary Kingery, Chris Kingery, Bev and Curt Smith enjoy the Willis Party.

Zak Nelson and Brad Myers, UNL Student Chapter Officers with Jean and Justine getting their photos taken under their halos at Willis Party.

Introduction of Card Check Legislation Imminent - Take Action. Supporters of the (so-called) Employee Free Choice Act are expected to introduce the legislation in Congress and are making a final call for original co-sponsors of the bill. Supporters include President Obama who reiterated his support for passage of this legislation in remarks made earlier this week to the AFL-CIO Executive Council meeting in Miami, FL. Please reach out to your Members of Congress to urge them not to co-sponsor or support the bill.

To learn more about the impact on AGC members, view a white paper that discusses some of the negative consequences that the EFCA might create for the union construction industry, and view AGC’s advocacy efforts in opposition to EFCA log onto www.agc.org/EFCA.

Take Action Today!

*AGC opposes the Employee Free Choice Act. The existing union selection process provides better protection of employee free choice and labor relations stability. Please use AGC's Legislative Action Center to contact your congressional delegation today and urge them to oppose the (So-Called) Employee Free Choice Act. It only takes a minute to send a letter.

*FORWARD THIS INFORMATION ON TO YOUR EMPLOYEES AND COLLEAGUES, ASKING THEM TO TAKE ACTION IF THEY SUPPORT THIS FIGHT! 

The Nebraska Legislative Update - Happenings have been quite uneventful so far this session.  Click here to view an update in the current Legislative Alert 3-9-09.

Award Winning Members

*The Green Advantage Certification Training and Exam has once again had a date change.  It is now scheduled for April 3rd and 10th.  Click here for more info. 

Thirty registrations are required to conduct the training and there are only 20 registered.  By changing the date the main sponsor hopes to pick up 10 more people to participate.

*Kidwell Company has invited all members to attend an Education Briefing on March 25th.  Click here for details.

*2009 AGC Nebraska Building Chapter Member Directory is going to the printer on March 10th, at the end of the day.